Navy, NCS Vow To Secure C'River 

Mark IDRAH

The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy Calabar, Rear Admiral OK Oluwagbire has assured Cross Riverians of the Command's readiness to secure the waterways and curb kidnapping in the state.

Read Admiral Oluwagbire made the promise in his office when the leadership of the Cross River State House of Assembly led by the Speaker ,Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

 Oluwagbire said since he resumption of office as the 40th Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Calabar, Cross River State he has received reports about the security challenges in the state, especially the kidnapping activities across the waterways, and vowed to put a stop to it.

 He said Cross Riverians must be secured with their resources as that is the reason he has been sent to the state.

The Navy Commander stated that though he is in Cross River for an official assignment, he is also now a Cross Rivarian and therefore must do everything possible within his authority in securing the people and their properties. 

According to him the Nigerian Navy is one of the Forces that prioritizes Welfare of the citizens, and that's why everywhere they're based, they establish schools, hospitals and other basic facilities to meet the needs of the people.

He noted that in Cross River they have schools, hospital and a war college, and are currently building a 5 star hotel to meet up with the status of the state as a tourism state. 

He appealed to the state government to assist them in building more houses for accommodation for the officers and men of the force and provide them with security vehicles, as these are their areas of need.

Responding, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem assured the FOC of the Assembly's readiness to partner with them and support them in whatever way necessary, to bring a lasting solution to the state's security problem.

 According to the Speaker, it is because the leadership of the 10th Assembly prioritized the safety and well-being of their citizens so much, that they have embarked on the visits to security organizations in the state.

Similarly, the Speaker visited the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters in Calabar, and pledged the readiness of the 10th Assembly to support the Correctional Centre in effectively carrying out its function. 

He was received by the Comptroller of Prisons Cross River State, Mr. Adeniran.

 While addressing the comptroller,Ayambem said he is taking time to visit the security organizations to synergize with them for the purpose of securing Cross River as security of life and properties is the primary objective of government for its people.

The Speaker earlier visited the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army and the Commissioner of Police in the state for the same purposes.